Mortlock issues World Cup warning

Australia playmaker Stirling Mortlock has sounded a warning to his rivals ahead of this autumn's World Cup in France.

Mortlock has been in devastating form for the Wallabies during the Tri-Nations and believes he can only get better before the World Cup begins on September 8.

"I still feel there are things I can be doing a hell of a lot better," he told Sydney's Daily Telegraph.

"There is certainly plenty of improvement left in me and that will be my focus heading towards the World Cup.

"I can improve my work at the breakdown, I can improve on ballplaying and I am not happy where my defence is at the moment."

Having shared the Wallabies captaincy with Phil Waugh for the first seven Test matches of this season, Mortlock says he will be honoured if he is asked to lead out his nation at the World Cup.

"It's something that I'd love to do," he added.

"I've done a lot of work to try and improve my leadership, I'd like to think over that time I have matured somewhat.

"I'm on a journey and think I have learned a lot."

Despite speculation that George Gregan may be reinstated as Wallabies captain for the campaign in France, Mortlock is adamant the heated competition for the captain's arm band will not become a distraction.

"If I get the opportunity that would be great," Mortlock continued.

"Whether I'm a captain or not moving forward to the World Cup it won't change my focus and how things are done.

"We have a pretty solid leadership group in the Wallabies and I'm one of the guys involved in that group."

Ryan Grant displayed some impressive singing skills while on tour with the British & Irish Lions. The full release of Lions Raw will be available on DVD and Blu-Ray from October 28th. Pre-order on Amazon.

This clip featuring Simon Zebo will whet your appetite ahead of the much anticipated release of 'Lions Raw', the official Behind the Scenes documentary of the successful 2013 Tour. Full release on October 28th and available on DVD and Blu-Ray.